ASSIMILATE achieves another virtual reality (VR) breakthrough with its SCRATCH VR Suite 8.6, the new version of its real-time post-production tools and workflow for VR/360 content. With added GPU stitching of 360-video and ambisonic-audio support, as well as live streaming, and more. The SCRATCH VR Suite 8.6 now enables VR content creators - DPs, DITS, post-production artists - with the only professional, streamlined, end-to-end workflow for VR/360 content on the market. See how it works at https://vimeo.com/202186457, with additional VR tutorials at the movie: https://vimeo.com/156395178 and the sequel: https://vimeo.com/162653407

Additional overlay handles to the existing 2D-equirectangular feature for more easily positioning 2D elements in a 360 scene.

Support for all headsets: Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, HTC Vive, and Google Cardboard, and other headsets when announced.

Greatly Increased HDR Support - Several new features and functions make working in HDR just as easy as SDR.

Increased Format Support - Added support for all the latest formats for even greater efficiency in the DIT and post-production processes.

More Simplified DIT Reporting Function - Added features and functions enables even greater efficiencies in a single, streamlined workflow.

User Interface

Numerous updates have been made to enhance and simplify the UI for content creators, such as for the log-in screen, matrix layout, swipe sensitivity, Player stack, tool bar, and tool-tips.

Real-World VR Project in SCRATCH VR Suite 8.6: For a recent 360 video shown at CeBit March 2017, Harvest Digital Agriculture's (http://www.harvest-technology.de) finishing artist and workflow supervisor, Julian Martinz, had to composite a lot of 2D graphics and videos onto a 360-video that was recorded with the Nokia OZO. "With SCRATCH VR 8.6, along with the Oculus Rift headset, the entire on-line grading and approval process could be accomplished in one software workflow. The ability to view the color grading in VR, in real time, and the possibility to playback ambisonic audio enabled a very straightforward, fast, and immediate working process with the director. Had we done the on-line grading another way, we would need to have used multiple software tools; do a lot of correction loops; render the work done several times; and import the video in some playback-device for approval. The SCRATCH VR Suite 8.6 gave us a single, streamlined workflow that allowed us to save enormous amounts of time, meet our deadline, and achieve the client's creative goals."

"Invisible" VR scripted series, produced by Jaunt VR; VR post-production by Local Hero

Directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow), "Invisible" is the first major scripted series designed specifically for 360-degree VR. See the videos at https://www.jauntvr.com/. Local Hero post-production facility in Santa Monica, CA has developed a VR pipeline with the SCRATCH VR Suite.

"Timeliness: Continuum Recon", produced by Jaunt VR; 360/VR post production by Dave Franks

You are blasted back to July 20, 1969 at NASA Mission Control where the Apollo 11 moon landing is just minutes away. With special "ghost mode" technology you can help "Protect The Past. Save The Future."

"Pure McCartney VR is a five-part series of stereoscopic virtual reality (VR) experiences, produced by Jaunt Studios (www.jauntvr.com) Each is a unique vignette of McCartney discussing the origins of his most iconic music and other anecdotes.

The VR mini-concert features leading French artist, Yael Naim. The concert was shot specifically for VR viewing and has run as a roadshow throughout Europe. Neotopy in Paris, France, has developed a VR pipeline with the SCRATCH VR Suite.

"Expedition Antarctica" is the first return to Antarctica by famous French director Luc Jacquet, who directed the documentary "La Marche de l'Empereur" in 2006, which won the Oscar at the Academy Awards in 2006.

ASSIMILATE provides real-time post-production and workflow tools that have proven essential to productivity and creativity in the creation of 2D/3D/VR studio and independent feature films, documentaries, TV episodes, and music videos. The SCRATCH product line, running on Windows and OS X, equips directors, DPs, on-set DITs and post-production artists with the latest, state-of-the-art, cost-effective tools and workflows they need to simplify the post-production process for challenging productions. SCRATCH is resolution independent, supporting nearly all formats, including ARRI RAW, KineRAW, Sony F5/55/65 and Cyber Shot s700, Phantom, Panasonic Varicam 4K, Canon C300/C500, Canon 3DGoPro, as well as enhanced support for all RED cameras. SCRATCH is the only post-production tool to support native Kinefinity RAW (KRW and DNG) files. SCRATCH enables mixing and matching of any camera format, resolution or color space (including ACES) on the same timeline. Additionally, ASSIMILATE offers the only professional end-to-end VR workflow and tools - including stitching, ambisonic sound, and live streaming -- in the SCRATCH VR Suite. Learn more at www.assimilateinc.com.